A visual analysis of issue-specific net approval ratings from January 2025 through April 2026 indicates that Trump remains underwater on every major policy front, with particularly steep losses tied to cost-of-living pressures.

Among the issues tracked, inflation stands out as the president’s most significant vulnerability. Net approval on inflation has fallen to roughly -34 percentage points, the lowest among all categories, reflecting persistent voter dissatisfaction over prices and tariffs .

This aligns with broader polling trends. A Washington Post-ABC-Ipsos survey found that inflation received Trump’s worst approval ratings among key issues, with only about one-third of Americans supporting his handling of it.

Economists and political analysts say this reflects the political sensitivity of consumer prices, especially amid tariff-driven cost pressures that have fed into household budgets.

Trump’s economic approval, once considered a relative strength, has also weakened. Net approval on the economy now sits near -22 points , while trade policy trails slightly worse at -24 points , according to the Silver Bulletin aggregation.

Polling data suggests that tariffs and market volatility have contributed to the decline. Nate Silver noted that economic disruptions and policy shocks have led to “permanent damage” in approval ratings even after temporary rebounds.

Earlier in 2025, Trump’s net approval on the economy was already negative, around -15 to -16 points, highlighting a steady erosion rather than a sudden collapse.

Immigration continues to be Trump’s strongest issue, though it too is now in negative territory. Net approval on immigration stands at approximately -11 points , significantly better than other policy areas but still below zero.

Silver’s analysis indicates immigration is “just about the only issue” where Trump’s ratings approach parity, even as overall approval declines.

However, even this relative strength has weakened over time, with polling showing declines following controversial enforcement actions and domestic incidents.

The deterioration across issues mirrors Trump’s broader approval trajectory. Silver Bulletin’s aggregate shows Trump with about 39.7% approval and a net rating near -17 points, marking a new low for his second term.

Other polling averages reinforce the trend. As of early April 2026, national aggregators place Trump’s approval around 39–41%, with disapproval nearing 57–60%, yielding a net deficit of roughly -16 to -20 points.

Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of economic anxiety, foreign policy tensions, and polarisation among independent voters, whose support has softened significantly.

The journalist then asked: “What is your response to critics who say that it is your mental health that should perhaps be examined as this war continues?”

Trump responded: “I haven't heard that. But if that's the case, you're going to have to have more people like me, because our country was being ripped off on trade, on everything, for many years until I came along.”

The exchange followed a post Trump made on Sunday, April 5, in which he set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

"In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!" he said.

Leo also warned against what he described as a growing desensitisation to violence, lamenting a world becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands and the wider consequences of conflict.

"On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil," the pontiff, who hails from Chicago in the United States , said.

Popes have long been viewed as a moral compass in times of crisis, and Leo’s Easter message appeared to continue that tradition — while also reflecting the unique position of the papacy as both a spiritual authority and a head of state.

Although the pontiff did not name specific leaders in his Easter address, his remarks come against the backdrop of escalating global tensions and ongoing conflicts .

Just days earlier, however, Leo had been more direct.

Speaking to journalists, he referenced remarks by Donald Trump, saying he hoped the US leader was seeking an “off-ramp” to reduce violence and halt the cycle of hatred, particularly in conflict zones such as the Middle East.

He also called on leaders to return to dialogue and reduce the level of violence , stressing that peace — especially during Easter — should prevail.

As conflicts persist across multiple regions, Leo’s call for restraint, dialogue and peace positions the Vatican once again at the centre of global appeals for an end to violence.

The rescue came after a U.S. F-15E was shot down over Iran, triggering a nearly two-day search for its second crew member. U.S. forces eventually extracted the wounded officer in a high-risk operation that U.S. media said involved special operations troops and a CIA deception effort to mislead Iranian forces.

The episode has unfolded against the backdrop of the widening U.S.-Iran war, which began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Reuters, citing an Israeli security official, reported that Israeli intelligence helped the rescue mission and that Israel paused operations in the area to support it, underlining the close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as the conflict deepens.

Earlier, Trump said the US would leave Iran “whether we have a deal or not” and stated that it could “finish the job” within “two or three weeks.”

Trump also suggested allies should secure their own energy supplies, while Iranian authorities warned access through the Strait of Hormuz could be restricted depending on countries’ positions in the conflict .

The installation was put in place by a protest group known as the “Secret Handshake.” The group has created a series of satirical statues targeting President Trump and his allies since he took office.

He said Indonesia had “never committed to contributing financially at all” and was not present at the founding donors’ meeting in Washington on February 19, where several countries made funding pledges.

Foreign Minister Sugiono had already moved to clarify the issue on March 17, saying the $1 billion figure was not a mandatory membership fee and that Indonesia’s participation in the board was not tied to any fixed financial contribution.

The Board of Peace is a 28-country coalition backing a US plan for post-war Gaza.

Earlier reports said donors at the Washington meeting had pledged an initial $17 billion for reconstruction, emergency relief and security stabilisation, including $10 billion from the United States and $7 billion from nine other countries.

Prabowo said Indonesia’s main contribution would instead be the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops, adding that Jakarta could take on a larger role once reconstruction begins. He pointed to Indonesia’s earlier humanitarian support for Palestine, including assistance channelled through the National Alms Agency and the construction of a hospital.

He also said Indonesia joined the board because it saw a pathway towards Palestinian statehood, citing parts of a 21-point US proposal that refer to statehood and dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians. Those provisions, he said, were in line with Indonesia’s long-standing support for a two-state solution.

The clarification comes as Indonesia’s support for the board faces sharper questions following the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict has complicated Jakarta’s earlier enthusiasm for the US-backed initiative and raised pressure at home over how closely it should align itself with Washington on Middle East policy.

Trump is now urging countries, including China, Japan , and others, to take part in efforts to reopen the strait. Reports indicate that the United States has approached about seven countries, including China, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and South Korea, to provide naval support in the region. These efforts include escorting oil tankers and conducting de-mining operations to ensure safe passage.

The United States, however, is not the country most directly affected by a blockade. Over the past decade, it has become one of the world ’s largest oil producers. Much of its oil imports now come from Canada, Mexico, and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. As a result, only a small portion of the U.S. oil supply depends on the Strait of Hormuz.

Within hours, Iranian officials warned that any strike on Iran’s oil infrastructure would trigger retaliation against US-linked oil and energy assets across the region. Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has also vowed to keep Hormuz shut as a pressure tool, according to reports .

Iran’s threats extended beyond US assets on Saturday when Tehran warned residents to evacuate areas around major ports in the United Arab Emirates, including Jebel Ali in Dubai, as well as Khalifa and Fujairah, claiming the US used “ports, docks and hideouts” in the UAE to support strikes.

The escalation came as a missile struck inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and debris from an intercepted Iranian drone hit an oil facility in Fujairah, adding to market anxiety about supplies and maritime security .

Trump said the US Navy could begin escorting oil tankers through Hormuz “soon,” as the confrontation increasingly centres on shipping and energy exports.

A plaque placed beside the statue identifies the installation as “The King of the World .” It also includes a description referencing the film’s storyline and drawing a comparison between the two men. 

The plaque reads: "The tragic love story between Jack and Rose was built on luxurious travel , raucous parties, and secret nude sketches. This monument honours the bond between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, a friendship seemingly built on luxurious travel, raucous parties, and secret nude sketches."

The 12-foot statue was created by The Secret Handshake, an anonymous group that has previously installed anti-Trump and anti-Epstein artworks near the Capitol.

In September, the group installed a bronze statue depicting Trump and Epstein holding hands with a plaque displaying “In Honor of Friendship Month”.

“We celebrate the long-lasting bond between President Donald J. Trump and his 'closest friend,' Jeffrey Epstein,” the plaque read with a hand heart gesture beneath.

According to reports, the Titanic sculpture is expected to remain on display until Friday, March 13.

The installation appears at a time when questions are being raised about the US Justice Department’s handling of records connected to Epstein. Reports said files linked to allegations involving Trump were missing from a public database, prompting concerns about transparency.

The Justice Department said the records were omitted due to a coding error rather than being deliberately removed.

Epstein, a convicted financier, died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He had previously pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from a minor, and faced accusations of operating a network involving underage girls. 

Trump, despite being a well-known associate of the late financier, has strongly denied any wrongdoing and involvement in Epstein's illicit activities.

Speaking in Washington, D.C. on Monday, March 9, the U.S. president made the remarks when asked whether ending military operations after achieving strategic objectives would amount to abandoning the Iranian population .

Agents from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), working with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and state intelligence agencies, seized 700 packages of suspected cocaine during an operation at the Caucedo Multimodal Port in Boca Chica, Santo Domingo province. Authorities profiled multiple containers in transit and identified suspicious images in one shipment. A detailed inspection revealed 14 bales containing the packages, hidden inside a container loaded with grapes. The container originated in Chile and passed through Colombia and Ecuador, transiting the Dominican Republic before heading to Belgium, Germany, Rotterdam, and the United Kingdom, where it was scheduled to be unloaded. The seizure occurred shortly after President Luis Abinader attended the “Shield of the Americas” summit in Miami, where a 17-country coalition against drug trafficking was announced.

PLD could trigger a 2028 runoff

The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) is positioning itself to potentially f orce a presidential runoff in 2028 , which would be the first in nearly 30 years. After its 2020 election defeat, the party has intensified grassroots mobilisation and internal restructuring to rebuild its base. Party leaders aim to prevent any candidate from surpassing 50% in the first round, increasing the chances of a second-round vote. A possible Gonzalo Castillo–Margarita Cedeño ticket could split votes between the ruling PRM and the People’s Force (FP), reshaping the political landscape. Meanwhile, FP leader Leonel Fernández faces a strategic dilemma, as another presidential bid could divide the opposition vote further, complicating potential alliances despite a limited municipal pact between the two parties in 2024.

MPD slams leaders’ silence on Trump’s Spanish remark

The Dominican Popular Movement (MPD) criticised what it described as the “complicit silence” of several Latin American presidents after US President Donald Trump made a dismissive remark about the Spanish language during the “Shield of the Americas” summit. Trump reportedly joked that he would not learn Spanish, saying he did not have time to learn “your damn language.” The MPD called the comment offensive to the history, culture, and identity of Latin America and the Caribbean, noting that Spanish is spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide. The group also condemned the lack of response from leaders at the summit, arguing that none publicly challenged the remark.

Abinader at Trump’s Americas summit: energy talks with US, Bolivia ties

President Luis Abinader used the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, hosted by US President Donald Trump, to hold two key bilateral meetings : one with US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on energy cooperation and another with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira to open new diplomatic and trade ties. The summit gathered more than a dozen Latin American and Caribbean leaders and focused on the creation of a new military coalition to combat drug cartels and organised crime in the hemisphere. The initiative will be led by Kristi Noem, recently appointed Special Envoy for Operation Shield of the Americas, in what analysts describe as part of Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen security and energy partnerships in the region.

PRM strengthens structure in Monte Plata ahead of 2028

PRM provincial president in Monte Plata, Víctor Pichardo, held a series of meetings across the province to strengthen the party’s structure ahead of internal processes and the 2028 elections. Accompanied by Secretary General Rafael De Luna, he visited several municipalities to organise grassroots members and promote the party’s “Verify Yourself” membership update initiative. Pichardo said the effort aims to consolidate the PRM’s base and ensure the party is prepared to retain power in future elections.

The video appeared days after Trump unveiled the coalition at an event in Florida alongside leaders from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago.

Trump said the initiative was designed to curb drug cartels and transnational gangs, which he described as an “unacceptable threat” to national security and one that could only be defeated by “unleashing the power of the militaries.” 

Xinhua’s animated clip, however, cast the plan in a very different light.

The satire appears aimed at Washington’s long-standing role as a security power in the Americas, suggesting that U.S. interventions can themselves fuel instability.

The video also reflects the increasingly sharp messaging battle between Washington and Beijing over influence in Latin America.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to restore what he calls American leadership in the hemisphere and push back against China’s growing economic presence in the region. 

Beijing has expanded trade, financing and infrastructure investment across Latin America in recent years, often filling gaps left by declining Western development funding.

While Washington frames its new coalition as a security partnership against drug trafficking and organised crime, Chinese officials have warned against what they see as a return to Cold War-style power politics in the region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said over the weekend that Beijing’s engagement with Latin America is focused on trade and development and is not directed against any third party.

“The international stage of the 21st century should no longer be a stage for the old dramas of the 19th century,” Wang said.

U.S. officials, meanwhile, argue that initiatives such as the Shield of the Americas are aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and improving security across the hemisphere.

“We want our hemisphere to be safer, to be more sovereign, and to be more prosperous,” U.S. special envoy Kristi Noem told regional leaders during a working meeting following the launch.

At the centre of Ramaphosa’s criticism is the selective nature of the US refugee offer. The Trump administration has cut back broader refugee admissions while creating an exception for Afrikaners, a group historically associated with South Africa ’s former apartheid-era ruling minority and still, on average, far wealthier than Black South Africans. Ramaphosa said the policy is a racialised view of South Africa and urged Trump to “see the truth of the situation.”

Ramaphosa also described a tense Oval Office meeting in 2025, saying Trump dimmed the lights and played a video he claimed proved “white genocide”,  an encounter Ramaphosa called a “spectacle” and an “ambush.”

The White House has defended Trump’s stance as humanitarian, saying he is highlighting “harrowing stories of Afrikaners” and will “continue to speak the truth about these injustices.”

Trump has publicly targeted South Africa since returning to office in 2025, including through an executive action accusing Pretoria of mistreating Afrikaners and citing the country’s expropriation law. Trump also boycotted the G20 leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg and later said South Africa would be barred from the US-hosted G20 gathering in Miami.

Indonesia not only joined the board — a coalition of 28 countries backing a US plan to rebuild the Palestinian enclave — but also pledged to contribute 8,000 troops to the proposed International Stabilisation Force tasked with eventually replacing Israeli forces in the territory.

It was one of the most proactive foreign policy decisions by Jakarta in the Middle East in years, reflecting Prabowo’s push to expand Indonesia’s diplomatic footprint and deepen ties with Washington. 

Indonesian officials argued that joining the board would allow the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation to defend Palestinian interests from within the forum, particularly as Israel was also part of the initiative while Palestinians themselves were not represented.

But this confidence has been shaken by the sudden escalation of war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, which not only disrupted regional stability but also pushed Indonesia to reassess the geopolitical implications of its alignment with a US-led platform.

This shift became evident this week during a rare high-level meeting convened by Prabowo at the State Palace in Jakarta, where the president gathered an unusually broad group of political and economic figures to discuss the crisis.

Among those present were former presidents Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, former vice presidents Jusuf Kalla, Ma’ruf Amin and Boediono, senior political party leaders and prominent business figures. 

‘Recalculation’

For nearly four hours, these high-level people discussed Indonesia’s strategic posture amid escalating tensions and the potential fallout from disruptions to global energy and food supply chains.

And, of course, they also debated Indonesia’s position within the Board of Peace, particularly whether the Iran war could undermine the credibility and purpose of the U.S.-led initiative.

Former foreign minister Hassan Wirajuda warned Jakarta may need to “recalculate” its role.

“We discussed the board, particularly in light of the latest developments, including whether the war unfolding in Iran could undermine the platform’s position and mandate,” Hassan said.

Foreign Minister Sugiono has already indicated that discussions within the Board of Peace have effectively been suspended as attention shifts to the escalating conflict.

This uncertainty in stance reflects both strategic and domestic pressures Indonesia faces.

Indonesia has more than 519,000 citizens living across the Middle East, according to government data, many working or studying in the region. Ensuring their safety has become a pressing priority as the conflict spreads. 

The government began evacuating Indonesians from Iran on March 6, with dozens of citizens — most of them students in the city of Qom — expected to return home in the coming days.

At the same time, Jakarta faces pressure at home to distance itself from initiatives associated with Washington while the United States is engaged in military action against Iran.

Will Indonesia withdraw from the Board?

Several Indonesian political and religious groups have criticised the Board of Peace, arguing that participation could undermine the country’s longstanding support for Palestinian independence and entangle it in a US-led geopolitical project.

The sensitivities are heightened by Indonesia’s identity as a Muslim-majority nation and its historical sympathy toward countries in the broader Islamic world, including Iran.

Prabowo has attempted to balance those pressures by signalling that Indonesia’s participation in the Board of Peace is conditional. 

During a meeting with Islamic organisations this week, he reportedly assured leaders that Jakarta would withdraw from the forum if it ceased to benefit Palestinian interests or align with Indonesia’s national priorities.

For now, however, the Iran war has injected a new layer of uncertainty into Jakarta’s foreign policy — raising questions not only about the future of the Board of Peace but also about how far Indonesia is willing to align itself with Washington in an increasingly volatile Middle East.

The Trump administration is quietly preparing a possible criminal case against Venezuela's interim president , Delcy Rodríguez, including drafting an indictment, as part of efforts to increase U.S. leverage over Caracas, according to four sources familiar with the matter. Prosecutors are considering corruption and money-laundering charges linked to Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA and have warned Rodríguez she could face prosecution unless she continues cooperating with Washington after the U.S. removal of Nicolás Maduro in January. The draft charges are being developed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami and have evolved over the past two months, the sources said. The investigation focuses on the alleged laundering of PDVSA funds between 2021 and 2025. Separately, U.S. officials have also presented Rodríguez with a list of at least seven former senior Venezuelan officials and associates they want detained in Venezuela for possible extradition, according to the sources.

Venezuela pledges mining reform as US official visits

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas as the Trump administration seeks to expand oil and mineral production in the South American country. Following the talks, Rodríguez said she would soon submit a proposal to Venezuela’s legislature to reform the country’s mining laws in an effort to attract foreign investment. Burgum said economic cooperation between the United States and Venezuela could grow significantly and noted that he was accompanied by representatives from several U.S. companies interested in accessing the country’s oil and mineral resources. He said investors are eager to begin projects and reduce regulatory barriers that could allow new capital to flow into Venezuela’s energy and mining sectors. The visit comes months after Washington backed the removal of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, a move that drew criticism from some international observers.

Freed Argentine officer calls for release of foreign prisoners in Venezuela

Nahuel Gallo, an Argentine military police officer released after 448 days in detention in Venezuela, has urged the international community to push for the release of 24 foreign nationals still held in the Rodeo I prison, a facility widely criticised for its harsh conditions. Speaking at a news conference in Buenos Aires, Gallo said he would not feel truly free until the remaining detainees regain their freedom. Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, who appeared alongside him, thanked international allies including the United States, Italy and Israel for their support in securing Gallo’s release. Gallo was arrested in December 2024 while travelling to visit family and was accused by Venezuelan authorities of espionage. Venezuela’s government claimed he attempted to enter the country irregularly while concealing his true intentions.

How Venezuelan prisoners smuggled messages from jail

In a small apartment near Caracas, Adriana Briceño holds up what looks like rubbish. Hidden on the back of a chocolate wrapper is a message written by her son to his father, Ángel Godoy, while he was imprisoned in Venezuela’s notorious El Helicoide jail. “Daddy, take this to sweeten things a little. We love you,” the note reads. Originally built in the 1950s as a luxury shopping centre, El Helicoide was never completed and was later turned into a detention centre run by Venezuela’s intelligence services. It became a symbol of repression, with UN investigators documenting cases of arbitrary detention and torture there. Recently released prisoners say they endured beatings, isolation and threats against their families. Hundreds of political detainees have been freed since January, though many remain behind bars, according to rights groups.

Venezuelan was deported to an El Salvador prison over tattoos

In Bogotá’s Bolívar Square, Venezuelan migrant Luis Muñoz Pinto recalled the moment he was deported from the United States to El Salvador’s notorious Cecot mega-prison. The 27-year-old was among more than 250 Venezuelan men deported last March after the Trump administration accused them of links to the Tren de Aragua gang. “I thought my life had ended,” he said, describing the shock and harsh treatment u pon arrival. Now free, Muñoz Pinto is among more than 100 deportees a U.S. federal court has said must be allowed to return to the United States for due process. He insists the tattoos on his knees, two roses, were wrongly interpreted as gang symbols. “They are for my younger sisters, who are twins,” he said. “They have nothing to do with gangs.”

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed dead in the attack.

Iran has responded with strikes on Israel and US assets across the Gulf region, with explosions reported in several countries.

The raid began in the early morning hours as U.S. forces struck key military infrastructure around the Venezuelan capital to disable air defenses. Special operations troops then moved in on Maduro’s compound, capturing him and his wife, Cilia Flores, before flying them out of the country to face charges in New York , where they remain detained.

The operation abruptly removed a leader who had ruled the oil-rich South American nation for more than a decade and had long been a target of U.S. sanctions and criminal indictments tied to alleged narcotics trafficking. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was later sworn in as acting president following Maduro’s capture.

Less than two months later, another Saturday operation sent shock waves across the Middle East .

On February 28, U.S. forces launched “Operation Epic Fury,” a sweeping air and missile campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership. It followed what “preemptive” strikes launched by Israel . 

The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s most powerful political and religious figure, who had led the country since 1989.

The attack hit hundreds of targets, including missile facilities and command centers, and triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran against U.S. and allied positions across the region.

Khamenei’s death has plunged Iran into its most severe leadership crisis since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with an interim council now overseeing the country while authorities determine a successor.

Together, the two operations underscore a striking pattern in the early months of Trump’s presidency: the direct use of U.S. military power to remove foreign leaders from power.

It also marks a stark contrast with Trump’s pledge to be a “president of peace,” a theme he emphasized during his 2024 campaign by repeatedly claiming he would end “un-endable wars.”

In his victory speech that year, Trump said: “I’m not going to start wars. I’m going to stop wars.”

Trump has since framed his approach as pursuing “peace through strength.”

Yet within eight weeks — and on two separate Saturdays — Washington helped bring down two governments thousands of miles apart, from Caracas to Tehran.

Flexibility was a crucial strategy in navigating this uncertainty, as exporters redirected shipments towards neighbouring Asian markets and Europe, reducing reliance on the US without stalling overall trade.

“The region’s resilience has been driven by redirecting trade toward alternative markets, which has sustained export growth even as shipments to the United States have declined in some economies,” the ADB said. 

China offers the clearest example. Although its exports to the US fell by nearly 20% in 2025, its global exports still grew. Shipments to other Asian economies and to the European Union and United Kingdom rose strongly, offsetting losses from the American market. 

Japan and South Korea followed a similar path, recording modest declines in US-bound exports but continued global growth.

Elsewhere, performance was even stronger. Taiwan posted the region’s fastest export growth at 35%, driven by soaring global demand for semiconductors linked to artificial intelligence. 

Exports to the US surged, despite tariffs, as buyers prioritised access to advanced chips over higher costs. Several Southeast Asian economies, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, also reported double-digit export growth.

Three-pronged strategy

According to the report, three strategies helped firms cope with the new tariff regime. Some exporters absorbed higher costs to retain access to the US market. Others redirected goods to alternative destinations, particularly within Asia. A third group routed trade through tariff-exempt partners such as Canada and Mexico under the USMCA framework.

Asian economies continued moving up global value chains, focusing on higher value-added and more upstream activities. Deeper regional production networks helped cushion shocks from external policy changes and kept factories running.

“The region also continues to structurally upgrade within global value chains, moving into more upstream, higher value-added activities and deepening regional production networks,” the ADB said.

However, the ADB warned that heavy reliance on imported inputs leaves supply chains vulnerable to disruption, while rising geopolitical tensions are pushing up trade costs. Tariffs on metals have already raised production expenses, with pharmaceuticals and semiconductors also exposed.

To sustain resilience, the report urged: “The region should thus promote product and partner diversification, deepen and effectively implement trade agreements, and strengthen trade facilitation and logistics cooperation.”

The government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa agreed in 2020 to pay $3.5 billion in compensation to about 3,500 commercial farmers who were evicted during the early 2000s land reform programme. The programme led to the seizure of about 4,000 farms without compensation under former President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe, which is burdened by $21 billion in debt, has struggled to meet the terms of the agreement. In 2023, the government revised its offer to provide 1% of the compensation in cash, with the remainder to be paid in US-dollar-denominated Zimbabwean treasury bonds carrying 2% interest.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told AFP that nearly 1,000 farmers have signed up to the revised arrangement, and several hundred reportedly received some cash and bonds last year. However, the payment process has been slow and unclear, and many farmers have rejected the new terms.

Outside intervention is “not necessarily a bad thing,” Ncube said in reference to reports that the farmers had hired Mercury Public Affairs, a US firm with ties to the Trump administration.

“We are committed to paying, and if they are trying to get other people to get us to pay, we have no problems with that,” Ncube said.

“We are paying anyway, and we would like to pay faster,” he added.

According to a letter in a US Department of Justice disclosure filing, four groups representing former commercial farmers hired the firm to support efforts to secure “full compensation”.

The group would contact administration representatives “to promote paying the Zimbabwean farmers the remaining balance of $3.5 billion owed,” the letter stated. The filing indicated that new financing could be sought from international institutions such as the World Bank.

Many of the affected farmers are now in their 70s and 80s. Some face financial challenges, according to Harry Orphanides of the Property and Farm Compensation Association, one of the groups involved.

“It’s a serious strain on the farmers, especially those who are elderly and have no other sources of income, as they were completely dependent on farming,” Orphanides said.

“Some of them are really desperate,” he added.

The land reform programme aimed to redistribute land that was largely owned by the white minority to black subsistence farmers. The process included violent farm invasions in which farmers were killed. Some farms were later taken over by government officials or ruling party affiliates, while others were neglected. The disruption to the agricultural sector affected the broader economy and contributed to food shortages.

Under the 2020 Global Compensation Deed (GCD), the government agreed to compensate farmers for infrastructure and improvements made on the land, but not for the land itself, which authorities consider to have been taken during colonial settlement.

Jeffers said the deployment aims to provide “the security Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace.”

Number of troops

President Prabowo Subianto, attending the meeting, said Indonesia would deploy troops within two months, starting with an advance team to assess risks and plan operations. The country has pledged up to 8,000 troops, the largest contingent of any ISF member.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono explained that the deputy commander role reflects both the size of the Indonesian contingent and the military’s extensive peacekeeping experience. 

“Indonesian troops are also the largest there, this deputy commander for operations is also something that honors and appreciates Indonesia's track record," Sugiono said. 

The ISF will operate under a U.S.-led Board of Peace. Indonesia’s forces will be deployed across Gaza’s five sectors — Rafah, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City, and Northern Gaza — with an initial focus on Rafah.

Humanitarian focus, not combat

While Indonesia leads the largest deployment after the U.S., its troops are assigned strictly to humanitarian and stabilization tasks, not combat. The government has warned it will withdraw if the ISF deviates from agreed mandates.

Other countries contributing troops include Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, while Egypt and Jordan will train Gaza’s local police. The ISF’s long-term plan calls for 20,000 troops and 12,000 police officers on the ground.

The Board of Peace also aims to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and demilitarization, a plan opposed by Hamas, which has rejected foreign intervention and disarmament.

Trump highlighted Indonesia’s role during the meeting, praising Prabowo for his commitment and leadership. Members of the board pledged $7 billion toward Gaza relief, a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild after years of conflict.

The countries identified as prepared to contribute forces include Morocco, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kosovo and Albania, while several other states are listed as members of the wider initiative.

The proposal emerges as global leaders continue to push for a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, alongside longer-term arrangements for security and reconstruction in Gaza.

What is the “Board of Peace”?

The “Board of Peace” appears to refer to a multilateral initiative under discussion among governments aimed at supporting post-conflict stabilisation in Gaza. While details remain fluid, diplomatic reporting indicates the concept involves a peacekeeping or monitoring presence if and when political conditions allow.

International peacekeeping operations in the region would require a mandate, most likely from the United Nations Security Council, in line with established UN procedures. The UN has previously overseen peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), which has operated since 1948 (United Nations Peacekeeping).

No formal UN mandate for a Gaza peacekeeping force has yet been confirmed publicly.

The countries reportedly willing to send the troops

Morocco

Morocco has long participated in UN peacekeeping operations across Africa and the Middle East. According to UN Peacekeeping data, Rabat consistently ranks among major troop-contributing countries, with deployments in missions such as MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.

Its reported willingness to contribute troops to a Gaza stabilisation mission aligns with its broader foreign policy positioning as a regional diplomatic actor.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has steadily expanded its international security footprint in recent years. The Central Asian state has contributed personnel to UN missions, including UNIFIL in Lebanon, according to official UN records. Kazakhstan has also sought a more prominent diplomatic role in global mediation efforts, hosting talks on Syria in Astana in previous years.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. The country has deployed thousands of personnel to missions in Lebanon, Congo and elsewhere, according to United Nations data. Jakarta has repeatedly expressed strong support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, positioning itself as a vocal diplomatic player in the Muslim world.

Kosovo and Albania

Kosovo and Albania, both located in Southeast Europe, have deepened cooperation with NATO and European security institutions over the past decade. Albania has previously contributed troops to international missions under NATO and UN frameworks. Kosovo, though not universally recognised as a sovereign state, has increasingly participated in international security partnerships and peace support initiatives.

Their inclusion reflects broader European engagement in any potential post-conflict arrangement.

Why Gaza Would Require an International Force

Gaza has experienced repeated cycles of conflict, most recently following the escalation that began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel .

Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in extensive destruction and a humanitarian crisis, according to reporting by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and Al Jazeera.

Humanitarian agencies have documented severe infrastructure damage, displacement of civilians and strain on medical services. Any post-conflict governance model would likely require security guarantees, aid coordination, and oversight of reconstruction, roles typically associated with multinational stabilisation missions.

However, peacekeeping in Gaza would face substantial political and operational challenges. Analysts note that consent from both Israel and Palestinian authorities, as well as agreement among major global powers, would be essential before deployment.

Political and legal hurdles

Under international law, UN peacekeeping missions require Security Council approval. Any deployment without such a mandate would likely need bilateral or multilateral agreements involving the relevant parties on the ground.

UN has cautioned that Gaza’s dense urban environment, the presence of armed groups and unresolved governance questions would complicate traditional peacekeeping models.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Tuesday, 10 February, that the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, had received new reports of airstrikes, shelling and bombing, “including from at sea”, as well as shootings in residential neighbourhoods.

He warned that the violence “puts civilians in danger and adds to the immense hardship they have endured over the past 28 months,” stressing that under international humanitarian law, “even if they cross military demarcation lines or are near them...civilians must always be protected and during military operations and constant care must be taken to spare them.”

There is also the broader geopolitical dimension. The United States, European Union, Arab League and regional powers have each floated differing proposals for Gaza’s post-war administration, ranging from strengthened Palestinian Authority control to international trusteeship arrangements.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, described the deal as a ”‘win-win’ for both countries” that “respects the sovereignty of both countries.”

Under the agreement, several Indonesian exports, including coffee, chocolate, natural rubber, and spices, will enter the U.S. market tariff-free. 

Indonesia is also seeking exemptions for an additional 1,700 commodities, including palm oil. In return, Indonesia will remove tariff barriers on most U.S. products and align its domestic standards with U.S. regulations covering vehicle safety, emissions, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

President Prabowo and U.S. President Donald Trump also signed a document titled “Implementation of the Agreement Toward a NEW GOLDEN AGE for the US-Indonesian Alliance.” The framework follows the signing of private-sector and government agreements earlier in the week, valued at US$38.4 billion.

“We have been negotiating very intensively over the past few months, and I believe we have reached a solid agreement on many issues,” President Prabowo said during a meeting with business leaders.

The visit also included discussions on security cooperation. At the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace (BoP), President Prabowo pledged up to 8,000 troops to support an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza.

“We are fully committed to this plan and that is why we joined the Board of Peace,” Prabowo said. He added, “We know there will be a lot of obstacles… but we are very optimistic with the leadership of President Trump, this vision of real peace will be achieved.”

The Indonesian military has indicated that an advance team of 1,000 personnel could be ready by April, with the full contingent prepared by June.

The trade agreement will take effect 90 days after both countries complete the required legal procedures. Indonesia will also facilitate U.S. investment in critical minerals and energy resources under terms similar to those offered to domestic investors.

“We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen,” he added.

Still, Trump appeared to leave the door ajar for reconciliation with Tehran — even the possibility of Iran joining the Board of Peace. "Now is the time for Iran to join us on a path that will complete what we're doing. If they join us, that'll be great. If they don't join us, that'll be great too — but it'll be a very different path," he said. "They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region."

Trump’s remarks came as the United States continues to position military forces in the Middle East , reportedly preparing for a possible strike on Iran as soon as this weekend. 

While Trump has not made a final decision, multiple news outlets, including the New York Times, CBS News, and CNN, report that sufficient air and naval resources are in place for potential military action.

According to senior U.S. officials cited by Reuters, national security advisers have been instructed to ensure all forces are deployed in the region by mid-March. 

The Board of Peace gathering in Washington brought together representatives from more than two dozen countries to discuss reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Gaza.

Trump framed the meeting as part of his broader Middle East strategy, calling the region “the biggest thing of all — we have peace in the Middle East right now.”

Yet the juxtaposition between the diplomatic forum and his stern warning to Tehran highlights the ongoing tension between Trump’s public promotion of stability and the looming possibility of military action.

Iran is expected to submit a written proposal following indirect talks in Geneva this week. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the progress as limited, emphasizing that “diplomacy” remains the administration’s “first option,” even as the timeline for potential U.S. action tightens.

Delegates are expected to commit thousands of personnel to international stabilization and policing efforts in the territory, aimed at maintaining order as humanitarian aid flows in.

Still, the Board of Peace , an initiative led by Trump, faces scrutiny over whether it can rival established multilateral organizations such as the United Nations in credibility and influence.

Dozens of world leaders gathered in Washington for the discussions, which also aim to coordinate humanitarian relief and long-term rebuilding strategies.

WATCH IT LIVE HERE:

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, February 16, Trump said he had “nothing to hide” and insisted he had been cleared of any wrongdoing linked to financier Jeffrey Epstein. “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. They went in hoping that they’d find it and found just the opposite,” he said.

Trump’s comments came amid renewed attention on the Epstein investigation after the Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted last month to hold former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas seeking testimony related to the case.

“Including, far in Asia,” he replied. “I was very honored to see that a very wonderful Prime Minister in Japan won by a landslide. I think she was going to win, but she won by just about the biggest vote ever in Japan. And she attributed my endorsement for that.”

Trump’s remarks followed his public endorsement of Takaichi ahead of Sunday’s snap election. 

On Truth Social, he wrote that she has “already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise leader… one that truly loves her country,” adding: “She will not let the people of Japan down!”

Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister after taking the helm of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had openly courted Trump as Tokyo sought stability in its relationship with Washington amid trade tensions.

Before her win, she said: “I am sincerely grateful to President Donald J. Trump for his warm words… The potential of our Alliance is LIMITLESS.”

After securing victory, she again thanked him directly: “Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for your kind and encouraging message of congratulations. I look forward to working closely with you, Donald, to advance peace, strength, and prosperity for our two nations.”

Trump, without naming her in an earlier post, hailed Japan’s “first female Prime Minister, a highly respected person of great wisdom and strength.”

Whether Trump’s endorsement proved decisive is unclear.

But Takaichi’s nationalist platform and hardline rhetoric on immigration have drawn comparisons to the U.S. president — reinforcing the perception, at least among supporters, that Trump’s political brand now reaches well beyond America’s borders.

Olivia Garza, Vice President of the Association of Cubans Residing in Mexico “José Martí”, said the campaign aims to promote regional unity. She argued that “defending Cuba is defending all of Latin America ”, accusing Washington of seeking to impose a “Monroe Doctrine 2.0” to assert control over the region’s resources. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has stated that her government will continue sending humanitarian aid to Havana and has criticised the US measures as unfair.

Cuba’s energy shortages have intensified in recent weeks, with Díaz-Canel accusing Washington of imposing an “energy blockade”. The strain follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump allowing additional US tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, a move that has further complicated the island’s access to fuel.

“Today, the Trump administration repealed the endangerment finding: the ruling that served as the basis for limits on tailpipe emissions and power plant rules,” he wrote. “Without it, we’ll be less safe, less healthy and less able to fight climate change, all so the fossil fuel industry can make even more money,” Obama added.

The repeal, announced Thursday by President Donald Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also eliminates federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks. It marks the most sweeping climate policy rollback by the administration so far, following a series of measures aimed at expanding fossil fuel production and slowing clean energy initiatives.

Speaking alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and White House budget director Russ Vought, Trump described the decision as “the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history .”

“We are officially terminating the so-called endangerment finding, a disastrous Obama-era policy that severely damaged the American auto industry and drove up prices for American consumers,” Trump said .

The EPA said the original finding relied on what it called an incorrect interpretation of the Clean Air Act, arguing the law was intended to address pollutants that cause local or regional harm, not global climate change.

“In this alliance, Poland is not and will not be — as long as I am prime minister — a vassal. We will be a loyal and faithful ally, but we will not be a vassal in relations with any country in the world ,” Tusk said. He added that alliances should not depend on “constantly nodding along and trying to achieve something through flattery.”

Federal investigators and journalists combing through the material have found that being named in the files does not in itself suggest guilt. The documents encompass schedules, contact lists, emails, photos and flight logs that map Epstein’s social circle, a network that spanned continents and decades.

According to multiple reviews of the Justice Department release, the files include references to prominent political figures and public leaders:

The release has also ignited political controversy in the United States and abroad. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have accused the Justice Department of redacting names of influential individuals without clear justification, intensifying calls for full disclosure.

"Trump's FBI scrubbed these files in March. The documents Justice had the redactions that the FBI made back then. They need to unscrub the FBI files, so we know who the rich and powerful men are who raped underage girls," Democratic congressman Ro Khanna wrote on Facebook.

The department has responded by saying redactions protect victim privacy and comply with legal requirements, although all non-victims' names have been unredacted .

She said the planned changes would focus on a more proactive fiscal approach, a major reinforcement of national security policy and stronger government intelligence capabilities.

Takaichi added that her government would move quickly to capitalise on the electoral victory. “We have no time to linger in the afterglow of victory. We will promptly convene a special session of the Diet and work to pass next year’s budget and related bills as quickly as possible,” she said.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the prime minister said she intends to travel to the United States next month for what she described as “in-depth” talks with President Donald Trump.

She also reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to strengthening regional and global partnerships, saying Japan would deepen cooperation with the United States, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia, as well as with Italy, the United Kingdom and countries in the Global South .

The election outcome gives Takaichi’s coalition at least two-thirds of seats in the powerful lower house, a threshold that would allow it to push legislation through with relative ease and potentially pursue constitutional changes.

Lula underlined Brazil’s commitment to multilateralism, arguing that global problems cannot be solved through unilateral actions or power hierarchies. He said Brazil does not seek dominance over neighbouring countries, nor subordination to major powers, but instead aims to assert its voice on equal terms within the international system. The remarks reflect Brasília’s broader effort to position itself as a constructive actor in global governance while defending national sovereignty and regional balance.

The performance included guest appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, as well as cameos from Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G, and Jessica Alba.

It was a celebration-cum-show that featured a mix of music, dance, and visual storytelling, including a traditional Puerto Rican casita, national flags from across North, Central and South America. 

One billboard read, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” At the end of the performance, Bad Bunny held a football with the English slogan “Together, We Are America.”

Trump, who did not attend the game, criticized the set on Truth Social, calling it “an affront to the Greatness of America” and accusing viewers of being unable to understand the lyrics. He also claimed the dancing was “disgusting, especially for young children.”

However, data contradicts Trump’s claim as the U.S. holds the title of the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world. 

According to Forbes , about 13 percent of the American population speaks Spanish at home. 

This makes the U.S. the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, with about 65.5 million Spanish speakers, after Mexico, which has about 138.1 million.

The number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. is expected to rise further, with projections indicating that one in three Americans could speak Spanish by 2050, including bilingual individuals.

Other countries with large Spanish-speaking populations include Colombia (53.1 million), Spain (48.9 million) and Argentina (47.5 million), according to 2025 data from the World Population Review . 

Spanish is the second-most spoken language globally, with over 559 million speakers, including 460 million native speakers. 

Ergo, data show that millions of Americans could follow and understand Bad Bunny’s performance, directly contradicting Trump’s claim that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying.”

Bad Bunny rarely sings in English, a deliberate choice that reflects his commitment to preserving Puerto Rican identity in his music. The singer has previously rejected industry pressures to translate or soften his songs to appeal to wider audiences.

His decision to perform in Spanish on the Super Bowl stage has brought Latino culture to millions of Americans and reflects broader shifts in U.S. media and entertainment, where Spanish-language music continues to gain ground. 

Bessent claimed the economic turmoil had ripple effects within Iran’s leadership, alleging that senior figures were moving money out of the country in large volumes. He portrayed this as a sign of internal strain, arguing that financial pressure has exposed vulnerabilities at the top of the system. His remarks came amid past waves of economic protests in Iran, which Tehran has blamed in part on foreign interference.

He emphasised that Cuba does not view the American people as adversaries and highlighted past areas of cooperation between the two countries, including in science, culture, health, sports and religion. According to Díaz-Canel, previous exchanges have shown that there are shared interests where both sides can work together when conditions allow.

The Cuban leader also criticised recent US measures, including tariffs authorised by President Donald Trump on countries supplying oil to Cuba, describing them as an effective energy blockade with serious economic consequences. His comments come after Washington announced new restrictions in January, amid growing tensions and renewed rhetoric over Cuba’s economic crisis and energy shortages.

The footage appeared at the end of a one-minute video promoting conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. In the final seconds, the faces of the Obamas were superimposed onto apes in a jungle setting, accompanied by the song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” The imagery referenced a longstanding racist trope historically used to dehumanise Black people and justify racial violence .

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially defended the post, calling the criticism “fake outrage.” Leavitt stated that the video was intended to be an “ internet meme” showing Trump as the “King of the Jungle” and Democrats as characters from The Lion King. However, the version posted by the President did not show other Democrats, and the Obamas were the only ones depicted.

Republican leaders condemned the video. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only Black Republican in the Senate, described it as the “most racist thing I’ve seen out of this White House.” He added that he was “praying it was fake” and called for its immediate removal. Representative Mike Lawler described the post as “wrong and incredibly offensive,” while Senator Roger Wicker stated it was “totally unacceptable.”

Following public pressure, the White House claimed the video was posted in error by a staff member. An official statement said a “White House staffer erroneously made the post” and that the President had not been aware of its content. Neither the President nor the White House has issued a formal apology.

Signed in 2010 and extended in 2021, New START capped the U.S. and Russian arsenals at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads on 700 delivery systems, including intercontinental missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and heavy bombers. 

Despite the treaty, both nations maintain far larger stockpiles: Russia is estimated to have 5,459 nuclear warheads, while the U.S. has around 5,177. New START only applied to deployed strategic weapons, leaving much of the arsenals unrestricted.

For the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the implication is clear: the treaty’s expiration could unleash a new wave of unchecked nuclear risk.

“Without it, the risk of nuclear use will likely increase due to a potential renewed arms race,” the organization said.

Why are there no new agreements?

New START had already been under strain for years. Inspections were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising tensions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine led the U.S. to declare Russia in non-compliance in 2023. Russia then suspended its participation, rejecting inspections and data exchanges.

The treaty could have been replaced or extended, but no agreement has been reached. Russia suggested a one-year continuation of the limits, and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in a broader deal including China — but nothing has been finalized.

ICAN emphasized that all nuclear-armed states remain legally obligated to pursue disarmament under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). The next NPT Review Conference is scheduled for April to May 2026 in New York.

“At times of high tension among nations, disarmament measures are all the more important,” ICAN said. “The dire international security environment at present, rather than serving as an excuse for inaction, must spur urgent action on disarmament.”

ICAN warned that with the treaty gone, “it is in no country’s interest to increase global nuclear arsenals. All nuclear-armed states should adhere to and implement existing international agreements on nuclear disarmament.”

The expiration of New START leaves the world at a critical juncture. Without enforceable limits on the U.S. and Russia, the risk of miscalculation, escalation, and a renewed nuclear arms race is rising.

Sanchez said that following “the events of the last month, Venezuela is peacefully moving forward, and ready to receive investment, and trying to compete in the market, in the international market, like every other player.” He also referred to recent economic activity and projected growth, noting that even with past restrictions, the government aims for rapid economic expansion.

On Venezuela’s role in oil production, Sanchez stated: “We would like to be… We know that the reference for Venezuela is that the country with the biggest oil reserve. And we want to stop being known about this, and we want to be known as one of the countries with the highest production levels.” He added that the government intends to use oil revenues to diversify the economy .

The comments come amid significant political developments in Venezuela. A recent U.S. military action resulted in the arrest and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro, and Delcy Rodríguez has been designated interim president. The transition has drawn international attention and debate over the future leadership and governance of Venezuela.

Trump accused the South African comedian of making a false statement that he and former President Bill Clinton had spent time on “Epstein Island.” “WRONG!!! I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close,” Trump wrote, denying ever being associated with the location.

Trump said he had never previously been accused of visiting the island, “not even by the Fake News Media ,” and described Noah’s comment as “false and defamatory.”

He went on to threaten to send lawyers after the comedian, calling him “talentless” and warning that he would sue for significant damages.

“It looks like I'll be sending my lawyers to sue,” Trump wrote. “Get ready, Noah, I'm going to have some fun with you!”

Trevor Noah has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments.

Here are some of the key names mentioned and their alleged connection:

Donald Trump  

The documents include an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations related to President Donald Trump. Many of the tips came from anonymous callers or unverified sources and were submitted to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Centre. The Justice Department said the claims were made shortly before the 2020 election and described them as “unfounded and false.” "To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponised against President Trump already," the Justice Department emphasised.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing involving Epstein.

Bill Gates

In a draft email included in the files, Epstein alleged that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had engaged in extramarital affairs.

Epstein wrote that his relationship with Gates involved helping him with personal matters, including what Epstein described as “illicit trysts.” Gates has not been accused of any criminal misconduct in the documents.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Gates told the BBC , "These claims, from a proven, disgruntled liar, are absolutely absurd and completely false," adding, “the only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein's frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame."

Richard Branson

Emails in the release show friendly exchanges between Epstein and British billionaire Richard Branson. In one 2013 message, Branson joked about seeing Epstein and referred to “your harem,” suggesting a casual relationship between the two men.

Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group, has since distanced himself from the allegations and labelled them as abhorrent. A spokesperson for the Virgin Group downplayed the exchange.

“Any contact Richard and Joan Branson had with Epstein took place on only a few occasions more than twelve years ago, and was limited to group or business settings, such as a charity tennis event,” a spokesperson of the group told The Independent .

Elon Musk

The documents contain multiple email exchanges between Epstein and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk.

In one message from 2012, Epstein asked Musk about travel plans to an island, and Musk responded with a reference to attending a “wildest party.” No accusations of wrongdoing are made against Musk in the files. Musk said in an X post on Saturday "well aware that some email correspondence with [Epstein] could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name. I don't care about that, but what I do care about is that we at least attempt to prosecute those who committed serious crimes with Epstein, especially regarding heinous exploitation of underage girls."

Prince Andrew

An email exchange shows Epstein arranging a visit with Britain’s Prince Andrew, inviting him to dinner at Buckingham Palace in 2010 and discussing the need for “ privacy .” Prince Andrew has faced long-standing scrutiny over his association with Epstein.

Howard Lutnick

The documents show that Epstein and businessman Howard Lutnick, now US commerce secretary, made plans to meet for lunch on Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2012, according to email exchanges involving Lutnick’s wife.

Jay-Z

The newly released documents also mention rap superstar Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.

His name appears in a complaint submitted to an FBI hotline in 2019. The report links multiple individuals and alleges an incident dating back to 1996.

According to the complaint, the victim believed she was drugged before allegedly waking up in the presence of film producer Harvey Weinstein and Jay-Z. The document claims Weinstein assaulted her, though the allegations have not been verified and no charges are linked to Jay-Z in the files. 

The Justice Department cautioned that some materials include unverified or sensational claims and warned against drawing unsupported conclusions.